Changes in online gambling during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study explores the potential for increased online gambling as a result of COVID-19 social distancing measures.

Questions were included in an omnibus survey employing an online panel sample, with data collected in early April 2020.

The results showed that almost a quarter of respondents had participated in online gambling in the previous month. Ten percent had increased their participation in at least one form of online gambling, while 14 percent had decreased their involvement. Those betting on sporting events in Australia were the most likely to increase their participation in online gambling.

When demographic factors were examined, being male, aged under 30 and in full-time employment were all associated with increased participation in online gambling in the last month.